Mini PCs (or nettop) with dedicated GPUs provide a practical solution for users seeking a compact system that doesn’t compromise on performance for gaming and content creation. These systems are designed for those who need space-saving devices but still require the power to tackle modern AAA games or demanding creative workflows. However, defining what qualifies as a mini PC is essential. Our focus is on models with a maximum volume of 3 liters, staying true to the mini PC form factor. Anything larger enters the realm of small form factor (SFF) PCs, which prioritize customization and raw power over true portability and compactness.

Dedicated GPUs are critical for these use cases, as integrated graphics often fall short for high-resolution gaming or resource-heavy tasks like 3D rendering and video editing. The systems in this guide, such as the Minisforum HX99G, ASUS ROG NUC, and ZOTAC ZBox Magnus, have been extensively tested and benchmarked, and they represent some of the best mini PCs available today. These models are chosen not just for their specifications but for how they perform under real-world conditions, addressing the challenges users face with compact PCs.

While mini PCs in this size and performance range won’t match full-sized desktops in raw power or upgrade options, they meet a specific need. Whether you’re after a portable gaming setup, a space-efficient workstation, or a balance of both, these systems excel in their niche. Our testing confirms that with the right hardware, great performance can indeed come in a small, well-designed package.

Budget Option

Minisforum Neptune HX100Gh with RX 6600M 8GB

Moving down our list of compact gaming solutions, we arrive at the Minisforum HX100G, which represents an interesting value proposition in the mini PC gaming segment. Built around AMD’s mobile platform, it pairs the Ryzen 7 7840HS (8C/16T Zen 4) with a Radeon RX 6600M featuring 8GB GDDR6, all packed into the company’s established Neptune series chassis.

The industrial design remains unchanged from previous HX models, featuring the signature carbon fiber aesthetic that has become Minisforum’s calling card in this segment. While the look is distinctive, the lack of color options – particularly a white variant – feels like a missed opportunity. The vertical orientation with the included carbon fiber stand creates an appealing desktop presence, though the unit can be positioned horizontally if space constraints demand it.

Connectivity is comprehensive for a system this size. The front panel offers USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, and the standard audio I/O. The rear hosts dual HDMI ports, two USB 4 ports (enabling quad-display support), dual USB 3.2 ports, a single USB 3.1 port, and 2.5GbE networking.

The system supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM memory and features two M.2 2280 slots for storage expansion. Our test unit came configured with 32GB of DDR5-5600 memory in dual-channel configuration.

Power consumption proves quite reasonable for a gaming-capable system, with our measurements showing 24W at idle, 158W during typical gaming loads, and a maximum observed draw of 208W under combined CPU and GPU stress testing. The included 260W power supply provides adequate headroom for these scenarios.

Gaming Performance at 1080p

The gaming performance demonstrates the system’s capability to handle modern titles at 1080p with high to ultra settings, often exceeding 60 FPS. While 1440p gaming is possible with FSR enabled and some settings adjustments, the HX100G is primarily positioned as a 1080p gaming solution. The CPU’s ability to maintain a 65-70W sustained power draw during heavy loads, combined with the GPU’s 100W power limit, provides a solid foundation for gaming performance in this form factor.

Thermal management appears well-executed, though specific thermal data wasn’t provided in the testing. The system’s ability to maintain consistent performance across extended gaming sessions suggests adequate cooling for both the Ryzen 7 7840HS and RX 6600M, despite the compact chassis.

At the moment this model is priced at around $800.

Most Powerful model

AtomMan G7 Ti

Moving on to another notable entry in the Mini PC space, the AtomMan G7 Ti represents MiniForum’s gaming-focused initiative under their new AtomMan sub-brand. The system combines Intel’s Core i7-14900HX with NVIDIA’s mobile RTX 4070, marking a significant step up from their previous offerings in the Nook series.

The vertically-oriented chassis houses a sophisticated cooling solution that MiniForum calls the Coldwave Pro system. This dual-fan setup with substantial heat pipes proves remarkably capable, maintaining stable temperatures even under sustained loads. During our testing, the CPU averaged 71°C in gaming workloads, while the GPU stayed cooler at 66°C, impressive figures for a system of this size.

Power delivery is particularly noteworthy, with the RTX 4070 maintaining its 145W power target during gaming sessions – a feat that many larger systems struggle to achieve. The included 280W power supply provides adequate headroom, with our testing showing peak system power draw of 249W , while typical gaming workloads drew around 188W.

The system offers considerable expandability with support for up to 96GB of DDR5-5600 memory and dual M.2 SSD slots. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, though the choice of standard Gigabit Ethernet instead of 2.5GbE is somewhat disappointing. The front I/O provides easy access to USB 3.2 ports and an SD card reader, while the rear handles display outputs through HDMI 2.1 and USB-C.

Gaming Performance at 1440p

The AtomMan G7 Ti demonstrates that desktop-class gaming performance is achievable in increasingly compact form factors. While the vertical-only orientation might limit placement options, the thermal solution’s effectiveness justifies this design choice. The system excels as a 1440p gaming machine, with sufficient power to handle 4K in less demanding titles. The inclusion of both DLSS and Frame Generation support provides users with flexible options for balancing image quality and performance.

One particularly impressive aspect is the system’s acoustic performance – despite its compact size and high-performance components, fan noise remains well-controlled during typical gaming sessions. The dual-mode power profile system (Work/Game) provides a convenient way to balance performance and acoustics based on usage scenarios.

Zotag MAGNUS EN474070C with RTX 4070

Moving on to the latest iteration of Zotac’s Magnus EN series, we find ourselves looking at a significantly more powerful package that maintains the same compact footprint of its predecessor. The shift to Intel’s 14th generation mobile architecture, specifically the i7-14700HX, represents more than just a generational improvement – it’s a fundamental redesign of the thermal and power delivery systems that made the previous model so compelling.

The latest Magnus EN continues Zotac’s tradition of sophisticated thermal engineering, now managing the more powerful i7-14700HX and RTX 4070 Laptop GPU within the same 210 x 203 x 62.2mm chassis. The cooling solution, which impressed us with the previous generation, has been further refined to handle the increased thermal load, maintaining similar temperature profiles despite the additional processing power.

What’s particularly noteworthy is the system’s ability to maintain consistent performance under sustained loads. During our testing, the CPU maintained temperatures around 83-85°C under full load, while the GPU settled at 75-78°C during extended gaming sessions – impressive figures for a system of this size. The thermal solution, utilizing multiple heat pipes and strategically placed fans, demonstrates remarkable efficiency, especially considering the 115W GPU power target.

Storage options have seen a welcome upgrade, with dual M.2 slots now both supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. This represents a significant improvement over the previous generation’s mixed PCIe 3.0/4.0 configuration. The addition of UHS-II support for the SD card reader addresses one of our previous criticisms, now offering speeds up to 300 MB/s for content creators.

Gaming Performance at 1440p

Connectivity remains a strong suit, with dual 2.5GbE ports (now featuring Killer networking), Thunderbolt 4, and WiFi 6. The front-mounted Thunderbolt 4 port is particularly well-thought-out, offering convenient access for temporary connections while maintaining clean cable management for permanent setups.

The transition to DDR5 memory, supporting up to 64GB at 5600MHz, provides a notable bandwidth improvement over the previous DDR4 configuration. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for content creation workloads and memory-intensive applications.

For content creators and professionals requiring a compact workstation, the Magnus EN makes a compelling case. The combination of the i7-14700HX’s 20 cores and the RTX 4070’s 8GB of GDDR6 memory provides enough horsepower for most creative workflows, while the system’s minimal footprint allows for flexible placement options, including VESA mounting behind compatible displays.

If there’s any criticism to be leveled at the new Magnus EN, it might be directed at the 330W PSU, which, while necessary for the system’s capabilities, remains substantial. However, this is a reasonable trade-off considering the performance density on offer.

Asus ROG NUC 970 with RTX 4070

Building on our exploration of mini PCs with discrete graphics, the NUC 970 carves a niche for itself by blending compact form factors with performance-driven hardware. At just 2.5L in volume and 2.6kg in weight, it promises the capability of discrete graphics and robust processing power in a chassis that can fit comfortably on any desk or mount behind a monitor. But how does it stack up in practice?

The NUC 970 comes in two configurations, with the top-spec version featuring Intel’s Core Ultra 9 185H processor paired with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 Laptop GPU. While the discrete GPU is notable, it’s worth pointing out that it’s the mobile variant, not the desktop-class RTX 4070. This distinction significantly impacts performance, as the mobile version operates with fewer CUDA cores, reduced memory bandwidth, and lower power limits.

Key Features and Design

• I/O: The front panel includes an SD card reader, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and a headphone jack, while the rear provides dual 2.5GbE Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, and additional USB ports.
• Storage: Three M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots support tool-free drive installation.
• Cooling Solution: A heavy-duty copper heatsink and dual blower fans ensure effective cooling, even under sustained loads.
• Memory: The unit supports up to 64GB of DDR5 SODIMM RAM, offering sufficient bandwidth for demanding applications.

Gming Performance at 1440p

While gaming results are satisfactory, the mobile RTX 4070 underwhelms compared to its desktop counterpart. Performance at 1440p is generally smooth, but 4K gaming demands DLSS or FSR for playable frame rates.

The NUC 970 consumes ~141W at full load, combining CPU and GPU power. Acoustically, it fares well; the fans remain relatively quiet during light tasks, though they become noticeable under sustained gaming or intensive workloads.

The NUC 970 delivers a compact, plug-and-play experience with respectable performance, but its reliance on mobile-grade hardware limits its appeal for high-performance gaming or intensive workloads. The system is best suited for users needing a small, semi-portable PC with moderate gaming capabilities or professionals looking for a sleek workstation alternative.

For those prioritizing raw performance over form factor, a custom build or even other mini PCs may offer better value. However, if desk real estate and plug-and-play convenience matter most, the NUC 970 is a competent—if pricey—option.

Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra

Continuing from our exploration of the best mini PCs with dedicated GPUs, the Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra presents itself as a compelling contender in the compact desktop space. Designed for those seeking portability without compromising on desktop-level performance, the Neo Ultra combines a potent hardware package within a tiny 3.6L chassis. But how does it truly perform, and does it justify its £1,399 price tag? Let’s dive into the details.

Measuring 19.5 x 11 x 19.2 cm and weighing in at 3.4 kg, the Neo Ultra is deceptively compact yet dense. It’s small enough to carry in one hand or a laptop bag, making it suitable for professionals who frequently switch between office and home setups. Despite its size, the Neo Ultra feels robust, with efficient cooling design, including bottom and rear ventilation. However, it misses a few marks in connectivity, lacking Thunderbolt 4 ports and a rear audio jack, limiting its flexibility for docking and audio setups.

Lenovo ensures the Neo Ultra isn’t a static investment. Internally, it supports dual DDR5 RAM slots and dual M.2 SSD slots, allowing significant upgrades. The base configuration includes 16GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM (single channel) and a 1TB Samsung SSD. While the single-channel RAM setup limits performance out-of-the-box, adding a second stick transforms the system, improving gaming and multitasking responsiveness. Notably, the desktop-class RTX 4060 GPU and socketed Intel i7-14700 CPU offer replaceability, though GPU upgrades will be constrained by the unit’s compact design.

The RTX 4060 performs well in modern AAA titles and content creation workloads like DaVinci Resolve, handling 4K 10-bit video editing with minimal issues. Gaming is smooth, but the single-channel RAM bottleneck highlights the importance of upgrading to dual-channel for optimal performance.

Gaming Performance at 1080p

The Neo Ultra uses separate cooling systems for the CPU and GPU, ensuring effective thermal dissipation. However, peak CPU loads can generate fan noise levels up to 50 dB, particularly during gaming or extended benchmarks. While not overly loud, its proximity on a desk might be noticeable compared to traditional desktops.